Outemu Blue vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Blue and HMX SU offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Outemu Blue is celebrated for its clicky feedback, which provides an audible and tactile response that many typists find satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience or need clear confirmation of key presses. In contrast, the HMX SU, categorized as a linear switch, boasts a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or click, ideal for gamers or users who prefer a quieter environment and faster key presses, thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. Each switch caters to different needs, whether it be the satisfying click of the Blue for typists or the fluid motion of the SU for gamers; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the HMX SU switches, one of the most striking differences lies within their top housing. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances its sound profile to be sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is primarily due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which allows for better sound resonance and clarity. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer consistency means it absorbs more sound, yielding a more rounded auditory experience. As a result, while the Blue may excel in sharper sound qualities suited for prominent sounds, the SU provides a richer and more resonant feel, appealing to those who prefer a different auditory texture.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing. Both the Outemu Blue and the HMX SU utilize nylon for this component, which significantly impacts the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches results in a deep, full sound profile where the softer material absorbs sound, minimizing any harshness when bottoming out during typing. Since both housings are made of the same material, the deeper acoustics generated will be consistent across both switches, potentially resulting in similar bottom-out experiences. Therefore, while the top housings produce contrasting sound profiles, their nylon bottoms provide a uniform sound characteristic that ensures a plush typing feedback.
Ultimately, the interplay between the differing top and similar bottom housings in both switches highlights how the materials’ qualities impact the typing experience. The Outemu Blue’s polycarbonate top housing works in harmony with its nylon bottom to create a unique sound signature that is more pronounced, especially during release. In comparison, the HMX SU’s nylon top and bottom configurations yield a fuller, more subdued typing experience. This dynamic illustrates how even with a shared bottom housing material, the distinct top housing can drastically alter the overall sound profile and feel, affording both switches unique, yet complementary functionalities for diverse user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force while the bottom out force data for the Blue is not available. The Outemu Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the HMX SU's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Blue switch requires a bit more force to register a keystroke, which some typists might prefer for a more substantial feel. However, the bottom out force for the Blue is unknown, whereas the HMX SU features a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, classified as light. This information suggests that the SU might provide a more forgiving experience when bottoming out, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch may gravitate toward the HMX SU, while those who appreciate a heavier, more forceful actuation might lean towards the Outemu Blue.
Travel distance
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's clear that they differ in travel distance, which directly affects the typing experience. The Outemu Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option and aligning with the more traditional preference for a deeper key press. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times often sought after by gamers. As a result, users who lean towards a tactile and pronounced typing experience may prefer the Blue switch, while those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes might opt for the SU switch. Ultimately, these differences in travel distances highlight the varied needs and preferences of users in the mechanical keyboard market.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Outemu Blue clicky switch is characterized by a pronounced, crisp sound with a satisfying click at the actuation point, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. The clickiness of the Blue switch can enhance the typing experience by providing clear auditory cues that indicate when a key has been actuated, promoting a rhythmic typing style. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a more subtle and relatively deep sound profile due to its PA12 housing and T5 stem. While the SU may not provide the same level of auditory feedback as the Blue, its quieter operation can be preferable in environments where noise is a concern, allowing for focused typing without distractions.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a tactile bump accompanied by the click sound, providing a distinctive sensation that many typists find satisfying. This combination of tactile feedback and sound can help reinforce the sense of completion with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is designed for a smoother keypress, lacking a tactile bump or notable click sound. Users can expect a consistent, uninterrupted keystroke experience with the SU, which appeals to gamers and typists who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Outemu Blue excels for those who value pronounced feedback and sound, making each keystroke feel more engaging and dynamic. Conversely, the HMX SU linear switch offers a smoother, quieter operation, suitable for prolonged typing without fatigue. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile response or a fluid, silent keypress experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and your intended use. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback while typing, and you find that the distinctive clicking sound of the Blue enhances your typing experience, then this switch may be more suitable for you, particularly for tasks like coding or writing, where you appreciate the sensory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter keypress experience, the HMX SU linear switch shines with its lighter bottom-out force and subtle sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for gaming or moments when you want minimal distraction and a more seamless feel. So, consider your priorities: do you value tactile feedback and sound, or do you lean towards a smooth and silent operation? Your choice should align with how you plan to use your keyboard in everyday scenarios, allowing you to maximize both comfort and performance.
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